FAQs about VSI Tier 1 - The three year program leading in a MA in Science Education degree
Who is eligible to attend?
All licensed teachers in grades K-8 are eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply ?
Teachers who are (a) interested in increasing their scientific content knowledge, (b) are enthusiastic about having an influence on their school's/district's science curriculum, and (c) interested in providing ongoing professional development to their peers.
Can federal money (Title IIA or Title V) be used to support participant's tuition to VSI?
Yes. Contact the person in your district who controls the consolidated Federal program grants - usually the superintendent or curriculum coordinator.
What will it cost?
Currently, the program is supported in part by funding through a VT Department of Education Math/Science Partnership grant. For each full calendar year of VSI courses, the VSI teacher will earn 12 graduate credits (6 in the summer, 3 in the fall, and 3 in the spring).School districts and teachers are to provide the cost of tuition for 12 credits for each year of the three year program. It is expected that district will pay for at least 6 of the graduate credits yearly. (This is often a contractual benefit for teachers in many districts.) The remaining 6 credits are the responsibility of the teacher. Current graduate tuition is $390 per credit, and an increase can be expected for the 2009-2010 academic year.
How do I apply?
Recruitment of a fourth cohort will begin in early 2009. Applications will be available in January.
Where are the courses offered?
The courses are delivered at Castleton, Johnson, and Lyndon State Colleges.
What is the format for coursework?
The science content courses are delivered in two-week residential summer institutes with an additional four days of follow-up during the Fall semester. Content in physics and astronomy will be covered during the first summer to be followed by geology/inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry/biology in the subsequent two summers respectively. During the intervening academic years, the VSI teacher will enroll in one 3 credit course each semester that will continue his/her preparation for a leadership role in science education. The course meets once a month for an all day Friday/Saturday class session. Overnight accommodations and meals are provided for the teacher.
FAQs about VSI Tier 2 - The one year, non-degree professional development VSI program
Who is eligible to attend?
All licensed teachers in grades K-8 are eligible to apply.
Who Should Apply?
The program is designed for teachers who are interested in increasing their scientific content knowledge, their specialized content knowledge associated with the teaching of science and their general teaching practice. Teachers who want to work with colleagues in their schools to develop a "school-wide culture of doing high quality science."
Can federal money (Title IIA or Title V) be used to support participant's tuition to VSI?
Yes. Contact the person in your district who controls the consolidated Federal program grants - usually the superintendent or curriculum coordinator.
What will it cost?
The cost of the VSI Tier 2 program for 2009-10 will be established by February 2009. Teachers will receive four graduate credits upon completion of the program.
How do I apply?
VSI staff work with science curriculum specialists at the district/regional level in offering the Tier 2 program. Interested teachers should contact their curriculum coordinators or the VSI staff.
Where are the courses offered?
The summer courses are offered at an institution of higher education in Vermont. These courses are five day courses offered at the instructor's home institution. Academic year coursework is offered regionally.
What is the format for coursework?
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